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One of the most important legislative documents in U.S. history, the Northwest Ordinance, is relatively unknown compared
to its "siblings," the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Federal Constitution. July 13, 1987,
marked the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Northwest Ordinance. Its importance cannot be underrated, as it
laid the foundation for our system of free public education, set up the mechanism for the introduction of
new states to the Union, and outlawed slavery northwest of the Ohio River. In addition, it made guarantees of
individual liberties that were the cornerstone of the U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights.

At least six states had territory affected by the terms of the Northwest Ordinance. Ohio was the first of these to
enter the Union. Initially, the Ohio Territory was ruled by a military governor and three judges.
Residents had no voice in government and were represented in the U.S. Congress by a non-voting delegate.
It was in 1798 that the Ohio Territory gained sufficient population (5,000) of males to initiate self-government.
A 22-member territorial legislature was formed, of which five members were selected to serve as territorial council.

Eligibility for statehood came in 1802, when the population reached 60,000 persons. Male voters elected delegates
to a Constitutional Convention. The delegates drafted the constitution on which our state government is based.
On February 19, 1803, the U.S. Congress approved the constitution and admitted Ohio as the 17th state.

The constitution called for a bicameral legislature, similar to the federal model, consisting of a House of
Representatives and Senate. The first session (meeting) of the Ohio House occurred in Chillicothe on March 3, 1803
and consisted of 30 members. This first session was concerned with levying taxes, creating counties, and appropriating
monies for the operation of the state.

In 1850, the people of Ohio voted to hold a second constitutional convention. Rapid population growth,
an inadequate judicial system, legislative power, tax reform and flexibility were some of the issues
that were addressed. Ohio's second constitution was completed in 1851.

Two more constitutional conventions were held to construct today's government. Each one placed more
legislative power in the hand of the voters. The conventions also helped equalize the branches of government,
giving the governor veto power at the third constitutional convention in 1873. The fourth and final convention
was held in 1912.

Chillicothe (Ross County) served as the capital of the Ohio Territory after it separated from the
Northwest Territory in 1800. It remained the capital until the government temporarily moved to the city of
Zanesville (Muskingum County) in 1809. The capital returned to Chillicothe in 1812 before finally settling
in Columbus in 1816.